# Volvo's Are Sexy > Political fundraising secrets and banking collapses collide with satellite shootdowns and the mysterious cutting of undersea cables in a wide-ranging look at global instability. - **Show:** [The No Agenda Show](https://search.noagendashow.net/index.md) - **Episode:** 18 - **Published:** 2008-02-22 - **Length:** 1h 16m - **Topics:** Obama campaign, [Northern Rock](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/northern-rock.md), [WikiLeaks](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/wikileaks.md), Iranian Bourse, [Faderfox](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/faderfox.md), Auction Rate Securities, Diesel Volvos - **Web page:** https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/18-volvo-s-are-sexy ## About this episode Adam Curry and John C. Dvorak report from the Curry Condo on the shifting tides of the 2008 election as Steve Spinner of Kleiner Perkins predicts a Hillary Clinton exit following the Texas and Ohio primaries. The political landscape is further complicated by the rise of Barack Obama and the consolidation of banking power following the nationalization of Northern Rock in the UK. Amidst these shifts, the hosts explore the intersection of global finance and military posturing, specifically the suspicious timing of undersea cable cuts near Iran and the U.S. Navy's satellite shootdown over the Pacific. Economic instability takes center stage as the auction-rate securities market faces a $300 billion crisis, with interest rates for the New York Port Authority spiking to 20 percent. The discussion links these failures to the repeal of Depression-era banking safeguards and a broader 80-year cycle theory predicting a global depression by 2020. Meanwhile, WikiLeaks faces censorship attempts in U.S. courts over Cayman Islands banking documents, forcing a move to Swedish servers. Technological developments include a new portable radio rig utilizing Faderfox MIDI controllers and the impact of genetic modification on American cotton quality according to textile industry insiders. Personal anecdotes provide a lighter contrast, from stairwell smoking sessions to the physical toll of firing elephant guns in the Iraqi desert with Dutch Marines. Adam Curry recounts a ninety-minute interrogation by Customs and Border Protection due to a name match with a 23-year-old from Nebraska. The session concludes with a look at the surprising benefits of climate change for German viticulture and a critique of London's CO2-based congestion charges. ## Chapters Each chapter's transcript is at its own link. The whole transcript is at https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/18-volvo-s-are-sexy/transcript.md. ### 1. Adam Curry and John C. Dvorak, Stairwell Meetings (0:01–2:13) Adam Curry and John C. Dvorak open the program from the Curry Condo and the "cheap seats" across the bay. They describe their frequent interactions during the week, including meetings held in a stairwell because Curry rolls his own tobacco and cannot smoke inside the office. Keywords: [adam curry](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/adam-curry.md), [john c. dvorak](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/john-c-dvorak.md), curry condo, [tobacco](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/tobacco.md), stairwell, [podshow](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/podshow.md) [Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/18-volvo-s-are-sexy/chapter/1.md) ### 2. High-End Firearms, Silicon Valley Gun Collections (2:14–5:40) A discussion regarding recent shooting experiences reveals that wealthy individuals in Silicon Valley maintain private firearm collections valued between $20,000 and $200,000. One participant describes firing a powerful "Casull" or "Fireball" handgun and an elephant gun, the latter of which caused significant physical bruising despite using a shoulder pad. Keywords: [firearms](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/firearms.md), [silicon valley](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/silicon-valley.md), [shotgun](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/shotgun.md), [elephant gun](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/elephant-gun.md), casull, [fireball](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/fireball.md) [Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/18-volvo-s-are-sexy/chapter/2.md) ### 3. Iraq Desert Shooting, Dutch Marines Anecdote (5:39–9:18) A story from a ten-day trip to Iraq involves Dutch Marines taking visitors to a desert practice range equipped with AK-47s, Tech-9s, and hand grenades. The narrative highlights the difficulty of hitting targets in full-auto mode compared to single-shot mode. The conversation transitions to the culture of high-end gun clubs in England and the physical toll of shooting heavy-caliber weapons. Keywords: [iraq](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/iraq.md), [dutch marines](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/dutch-marines.md), [ak-47](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/ak-47.md), [machine guns](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/machine-guns.md), [hunting](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/hunting.md), [shooting range](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/shooting-range.md) [Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/18-volvo-s-are-sexy/chapter/3.md) ### 4. Customs and Border Protection, The Nebraska Adam Curry (9:18–16:27) An entry into the United States resulted in a ninety-minute secondary screening by Customs and Border Protection (CBP) due to a name and birthdate match with a person of interest. An agent, who was a former whistleblower at Honda USA, explained that the "M" on the customs form stands for "match." The subject of the search is reportedly a 23-year-old man from Nebraska with a similar name, leading to the advice of asking for a "TL" (Team Leader) to expedite future screenings. Keywords: [customs and border protection](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/customs-and-border-protection.md), [passport](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/passport.md), [secondary screening](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/secondary-screening.md), [nebraska](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/nebraska.md), identity match, [team leader](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/team-leader.md) [Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/18-volvo-s-are-sexy/chapter/4.md) ### 5. European Cheese Varieties, Import Restrictions (16:27–19:27) A discussion on imported food reveals that Gouda cheese was successfully brought into the U.S. despite customs restrictions. The conversation compares the quality of authentic Italian Parmesan and buffalo mozzarella to domestic versions, noting that certain high-quality European cheeses are difficult to find in America. Keywords: [gouda](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/gouda.md), parmesan, mozzarella, [harrods](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/harrods.md), [italy](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/italy.md), [customs](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/customs.md) [Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/18-volvo-s-are-sexy/chapter/5.md) ### 6. Tea Preparation Methods, British vs American Habits (19:29–22:54) Observations on tea preparation highlight a controversial method where milk and sugar are added to the cup before the hot water and tea bag. One participant expresses annoyance at Americans who walk around with tea bags left in oversized mugs, while both discuss their preferences for brands like PG Tips Gold and Sainsbury Red Label. Keywords: [tea](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/tea.md), [pg tips](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/pg-tips.md), [yorkshire tea](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/yorkshire-tea.md), [milk](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/milk.md), [brewing](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/brewing.md), [etiquette](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/etiquette.md) [Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/18-volvo-s-are-sexy/chapter/6.md) ### 7. Portable Radio Studio, Faderfox MIDI Controller (22:55–27:33) A new portable production setup is described as a "one-man band" radio studio integrated into an Apple Macintosh. The rig utilizes German hardware from Faderfox and specialized software to provide tactile control over audio levels and cart decks with near-zero latency. There is a brief mention of potentially patenting this unique configuration of linked software packages. Keywords: [midi controller](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/midi-controller.md), [faderfox](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/faderfox.md), [apple macintosh](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/apple-macintosh.md), [software](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/software.md), radio studio, [patent](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/patent.md) [Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/18-volvo-s-are-sexy/chapter/7.md) ### 8. Barack Obama Campaign, Political Bundling Process (27:34–30:31) Steve Spinner, a high-level fundraiser affiliated with Kleiner Perkins, provided insights into the Barack Obama campaign's success. The discussion explains the "bundling" process, where individuals collect the maximum legal donation of $2,300 from multiple donors to raise millions. Spinner expressed confidence that Obama would secure the nomination and predicted Hillary Clinton might exit the race following the Texas and Ohio primaries. Keywords: [barack obama](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/barack-obama.md), steve spinner, [kleiner perkins](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/kleiner-perkins.md), [bundling](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/bundling.md), [fundraising](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/fundraising.md), [superdelegates](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/superdelegates.md) [Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/18-volvo-s-are-sexy/chapter/8.md) ### 9. 2008 Presidential Election, Democratic Party Dynamics (30:32–35:34) Predictions for the 2008 election suggest a potential matchup between John McCain and Barack Obama. While some believe Hillary Clinton will eventually drop out, others argue she will stay in the race to save face after spending $130 million. The conversation also touches on the political leanings of Silicon Valley elites at Kleiner Perkins and the theory that the Democratic Party's structure is failing. Keywords: [hillary clinton](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/hillary-clinton.md), [john mccain](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/john-mccain.md), [ron paul](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/ron-paul.md), [democrats](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/democrats.md), [republicans](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/republicans.md), [vice president](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/vice-president.md) [Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/18-volvo-s-are-sexy/chapter/9.md) ### 10. Economic Cycles, The 80-Year Depression Theory (35:35–39:07) A theory is presented regarding an 80-year economic cycle that predicts a massive worldwide depression followed by a major war, citing historical precedents in 1780, 1860, and 1940. The prediction suggests a ten-year period of stagnation starting around 2020, with the current credit crisis serving as a precursor. Keywords: [economy](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/economy.md), [depression](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/depression.md), [80-year cycle](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/80-year-cycle.md), [war](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/war.md), [unemployment](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/unemployment.md), [credit crisis](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/credit-crisis.md) [Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/18-volvo-s-are-sexy/chapter/10.md) ### 11. Auction Rate Securities, Banking Consolidation (39:08–42:16) The $300 billion auction-based credit market is facing a crisis after a failed auction involving the New York Port Authority caused interest rates to spike to 20%. This instability is attributed to the deregulation of the banking industry during the Clinton administration, which allowed for the consolidation of national banks and the removal of Depression-era safeguards. Keywords: auction credit market, [port authority](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/port-authority.md), [interest rates](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/interest-rates.md), [banking](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/banking.md), [bill clinton](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/bill-clinton.md), [deregulation](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/deregulation.md) [Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/18-volvo-s-are-sexy/chapter/11.md) ### 12. Northern Rock Nationalization, WikiLeaks Censorship (42:17–44:34) The UK government nationalized Northern Rock bank, notably exempting it from Freedom of Information requests. Simultaneously, a U.S. judge's attempt to shut down the whistleblower site WikiLeaks over documents regarding a Cayman Islands bank forced the site to relocate its operations to Sweden for legal protection. Keywords: [northern rock](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/northern-rock.md), [wikileaks](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/wikileaks.md), [sweden](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/sweden.md), [freedom of information](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/freedom-of-information.md), [whistleblowers](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/whistleblowers.md), [cayman islands](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/cayman-islands.md) [Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/18-volvo-s-are-sexy/chapter/12.md) ### 13. Undersea Cable Cuts, Satellite Destruction (44:35–46:35) A listener query connects the recent cutting of multiple undersea internet cables to the U.S. military shooting down a malfunctioning spy satellite. The theory suggests these events might be a coordinated demonstration of American power to disrupt communications and prove anti-satellite capabilities following similar tests by China. Keywords: [undersea cables](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/undersea-cables.md), [spy satellite](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/spy-satellite.md), [hawaii](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/hawaii.md), [internet traffic](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/internet-traffic.md), [military](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/military.md), [space](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/space.md) [Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/18-volvo-s-are-sexy/chapter/13.md) ### 14. Iranian Oil Bourse, Euro-Based Trading (46:36–50:08) Research into the "Iranian Bourse" on Kish Island suggests the exchange intended to trade oil in Euros rather than U.S. Dollars. Attempts to contact hotels on the island via email and phone failed, supporting the theory that the mysterious undersea cable cuts specifically targeted Iranian telecommunications to delay the opening of the exchange. Keywords: [iran](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/iran.md), oil bourse, [euro](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/euro.md), kish island, commodities exchange, [market watch](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/market-watch.md) [Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/18-volvo-s-are-sexy/chapter/14.md) ### 15. Satellite Shootdown, Washington State Meteor (50:08–52:42) The destruction of a U.S. satellite near Hawaii coincided with reports of a meteor impact in Washington State. While the FAA issued notices to airmen (NOTAMs) regarding a danger zone in the Pacific, pilots in the Pacific Northwest reported seeing a bright object impact the ground, leading to speculation about whether the events were related. Keywords: [satellite](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/satellite.md), [meteor](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/meteor.md), [washington state](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/washington-state.md), [faa](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/faa.md), [hawaii](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/hawaii.md), [astronomy](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/astronomy.md) [Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/18-volvo-s-are-sexy/chapter/15.md) ### 16. Cotton Quality, Textile Industry Changes (52:43–55:19) A listener from the apparel industry claims that the quality of cotton fiber has significantly deteriorated over the last 25 years. While high-end Egyptian cotton remains superior, American cotton quality has declined for unknown reasons, with some speculating that genetic modifications by companies like Monsanto may be responsible. Keywords: [cotton](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/cotton.md), textiles, [monsanto](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/monsanto.md), [t-shirts](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/t-shirts.md), egyptian cotton, [genetic modification](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/genetic-modification.md) [Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/18-volvo-s-are-sexy/chapter/16.md) ### 17. Global Apparel Trends, American Manufacturing Decline (55:20–59:36) Retailers in the U.S. and Europe are concerned that apparel makers are shifting focus to Asian markets, leading to a lack of clothing sizes suitable for Western frames. The discussion notes the decline of American manufacturing, citing the move of the Gold Toe sock company to Mexico, while acknowledging that the U.S. still excels in aerospace, weaponry, and high-end microchips. Keywords: [apparel](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/apparel.md), [manufacturing](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/manufacturing.md), [mexico](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/mexico.md), maglite, [honda](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/honda.md), [toyota](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/toyota.md) [Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/18-volvo-s-are-sexy/chapter/17.md) ### 18. Automotive Preferences, Modern Diesel Engines (59:37–1:04:41) A review of personal vehicles covers the reliability of Lexus and Dodge Caravans, as well as the performance of modern European diesel engines. Despite California regulations limiting new diesel sales, the hosts praise the efficiency and power of turbocharged diesel engines found in Volvos and modern aircraft. Keywords: [lexus](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/lexus.md), dodge caravan, [volvo](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/volvo.md), [diesel](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/diesel.md), turbocharger, [california](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/california.md) [Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/18-volvo-s-are-sexy/chapter/18.md) ### 19. Cranky Geeks, Media Fabrication (1:04:41–1:08:13) Following an appearance on the show "Cranky Geeks" with Leo Laporte, the hosts discuss how media personalities often fabricate "theater of the mind" anecdotes. They clarify that a story about a stretch Hummer limo and an entourage blocking traffic was entirely made up for entertainment, highlighting how easily the public can be misled by confident ad-libbing. Keywords: [cranky geeks](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/cranky-geeks.md), [leo laporte](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/leo-laporte.md), [radio](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/radio.md), [theater of the mind](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/theater-of-the-mind.md), limo, [entourage](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/entourage.md) [Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/18-volvo-s-are-sexy/chapter/19.md) ### 20. London Congestion Charges, Global Warming Skepticism (1:08:14–1:10:52) London is considering replacing its flat congestion charge with a CO2 emissions-based fee that could cost drivers up to 25 pounds per day. Porsche has threatened legal action against the city, while the hosts express skepticism regarding the methods used to measure emissions and the broader narrative of man-made global warming. Keywords: [london](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/london.md), [congestion charge](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/congestion-charge.md), [co2 emissions](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/co2-emissions.md), [porsche](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/porsche.md), [global warming](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/global-warming.md), [climate change](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/climate-change.md) [Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/18-volvo-s-are-sexy/chapter/20.md) ### 21. German Wine Vintages, Climate Impact on Viticulture (1:10:52–1:13:05) Warmer global temperatures have reportedly improved wine production in regions like Germany and Burgundy. German winemakers are now producing high-quality red wines and consistent whites, a trend that began in the mid-1990s and peaked with the 2005 vintage. Keywords: [wine](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/wine.md), [germany](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/germany.md), [burgundy](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/burgundy.md), [pinot noir](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/pinot-noir.md), [climate change](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/climate-change.md), [viticulture](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/viticulture.md) [Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/18-volvo-s-are-sexy/chapter/21.md) ### 22. Show Wrap-Up, Tech 5 Report (1:13:06–1:15:48) The hosts conclude the episode by mentioning upcoming projects, including the Tech 5 Report website and the "Cage Match" show notes. They plan to discuss CDI (Compact Disc Interactive) in a future episode and sign off from the Curry Condo. Keywords: tech 5 report, cdi, documentaries, bubba the love sponge, [show notes](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/show-notes.md) [Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/18-volvo-s-are-sexy/chapter/22.md) - [Previous episode](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/17-gold-toe-socks.md) - [Next episode](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/19-show-me-the-money.md) --- This is the markdown version of a page on The No Agenda Show for AI agents. Every public page on this site has one: add `.md` to its URL, or request it with `Accept: text/markdown`. - [Site index for agents (llms.txt)](https://search.noagendashow.net/llms.txt) - [Home](https://search.noagendashow.net/index.md) - [Search transcripts](https://search.noagendashow.net/search.md) - [All episodes](https://search.noagendashow.net/episodes.md) - [Topics](https://search.noagendashow.net/topics.md) - [People](https://search.noagendashow.net/people.md)